Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has approved a Spices Board scheme, ‘Sustainability in spice sector through progressive, innovative and collaborative interventions for export development’ (SPICED) scheme.

About SPICED Scheme

• Its full name is "Sustainability in Spices Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development".

• It is aimed at significantly enhancing the export of spices and value- added spice products as well as improving the productivity of cardamoms and upgrading the post-harvest quality of spices across India for export.

• It is implemented during the remaining term of the 15th Finance Commission, up to 2025-26.

• A total budget of Rs 422.30 crore has been released for this.

Objectives

• To improve productivity of cardamom

• To enhance the quality of spices for export

• To enhance the export of spices and value added spice products

About Spice Board India

• Genesis: Constituted in 1987 under the Spices Board act 1986.

• Role: It is an autonomous body responsible for the export promotion of the 52 scheduled spices and development of Cardamom (Small & Large).

• Headquarter: Cochin, Kerala.

• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Functions

• Issuing certificate of registration as exporter of spices

• Initiating programs and projects to promote the export of spices

• Establishing spice parks

• Improving infrastructure in processing of spices

• To assist and encourage the study and research of medicinal properties of spices